Strawberry Crackle Salad: A Family Favorite!

This Strawberry Crackle Salad comes together in about 30 minutes and is a no-bake delight that your family will love! The best part? You can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a perfect way to clean out the fridge. It’s a great “clean out the fridge” meal that whips up in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or those summer potlucks where you want to impress without all the effort!

Ingredients

When making Strawberry Crackle Salad, having the right ingredients really matters, so let’s break it down:

  • 1 Package Strawberry Gelatin
  • 1 Cup Boiling Water
  • 1 Cup Cold Water
  • 1 Can Crushed Pineapple, Drained
  • 1 Cup Strawberries, Sliced
  • 1 Cup Mini Marshmallows
  • 1 Cup Whipped Topping
  • 1/2 Cup Chopped Nuts (Optional)

How to Make Strawberry Crackle Salad

Ready to whip up this quick and easy treat? Let’s get cooking!

  1. In a Mixing Bowl, Dissolve the Strawberry Gelatin : Pour the package of strawberry gelatin into a mixing bowl and carefully add in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved, this should only take a minute or two. You’ll love how the bright color starts to shine!

  2. Add Cold Water and Chill : Next, stir in 1 cup of cold water. Give it a gentle mix and then pop it into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until it starts to thicken slightly. It should be like a syrupy gel at this point.

  3. Add Pineapple & Strawberries : Remove the gelatin from the fridge and add in your drained crushed pineapple, sliced strawberries, and the mini marshmallows. If you opt for nuts, now’s the time to sprinkle those in too! Gently fold everything together, be careful not to break those beautiful berries!

  4. Fold in the Whipped Topping : Now we’re adding the whipped topping! Carefully fold that in until everything looks beautifully combined. It should become nice and creamy a visual feast in itself!

  5. Chill Until Set : Pour that delightful mixture into a glass bowl or serving dish, this is where the magic happens! Cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 2 hours, or until fully set. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

  6. Serve and Enjoy! It’s finally time to dig in! Serve chilled, and just wait for the compliments to roll in at your gathering. This is a crowd-pleaser, and everyone’s going to want your secret recipe!

Strawberry Crackle Salad

Why I Love This Strawberry Crackle Salad

This Strawberry Crackle Salad is my go-to recipe for all kinds of summer gatherings or family dinners! It’s just so easy and versatile, you can throw in whatever you have, which makes it perfect for those “oops, I forgot to meal plan” moments. Plus, it’s comfort food at its finest, reminding me of potlucks from my childhood where everyone would bring their own spin. And the best part is that it instantly transports you back to those sun-soaked days. Seriously, I’m a real sucker for ingredients that brighten up any meal!

If you loved this Strawberry Crackle Salad, be sure to check out my Chicken Blueberry Feta Salad, my Mango Slaw, or my Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad! They all share that same quick-and-easy vibe we love for those busy weeknights.

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This lovely salad comes together in well under 30 minutes! With no oven or complicated techniques required, you can easily make this during a busy afternoon.

Customizable

One of the best parts? You can switch it up based on your family’s preferences, if someone isn’t a fan of pineapples, replace them with diced apples or even blueberries. The possibilities are endless!

Perfect for Meal Prep

It’s also great for meal prepping! Make it ahead for the week, and it’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container so it stays fresh and delicious!

Crowd-Pleaser

This is a crowd-pleaser for sure; everyone from kids to adults will go back for seconds. Trust me, you’ll want to make a double batch, it’s that good!

No-Bake Delight

No baking means less mess and more time for family or catching up on your favorite show. You literally just throw things together and wait for it to set, it’s that simple.

Serving and Storage Tips

How to Serve This Strawberry Crackle Salad

This scrumptious salad is perfect as a light dessert or a refreshing side dish. Serve it chilled with a sprinkle of fresh mint on top for a pop of color. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as part of a picnic spread!

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

The Strawberry Crackle Salad can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. If you notice any excess liquid after a few days, just stir it back in before serving.

Reheating Instructions

Since this is a no-bake dish, there are no reheating instructions needed! Just enjoy it straight from the fridge!

Freezer Friendly?

While this salad tastes best fresh, you can freeze it if you need to, just keep in mind that the texture might change slightly once thawed. I recommend making it fresh whenever you can!

There you have it, the complete guide to making the best Strawberry Crackle Salad that’s quick and easy! I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and that it becomes a staple in your home too. Remember, it’s all about bringing that delicious flavor into your family meals without the fuss!

Don’t forget to share your pics on Instagram if you make it! Tag me or use #LunaChef! I can’t wait to see your delicious creations! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!

Strawberry Crackle Salad

Strawberry Crackle Salad

A delicious no-bake strawberry salad that combines gelatin, fruit, and marshmallows, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

For the Gelatin Mixture
  • 1 package Strawberry Gelatin Use sugar-free gelatin for a healthier option.
  • 1 cup Boiling Water Ensure the water is boiling for best results.
  • 1 cup Cold Water Can be substituted with juice for added flavor.
For the Salad
  • 1 can Crushed Pineapple, Drained Use diced peaches or mandarin oranges for variations.
  • 1 cup Strawberries, Sliced Fresh strawberries preferred, but frozen can be used directly.
  • 1 cup Mini Marshmallows Regular marshmallows can be cut into smaller pieces.
  • 1 cup Whipped Topping Substitute with light whipped topping or Greek yogurt.
  • 1/2 cup Chopped Nuts (Optional) Walnuts, almonds, or pecans can be used.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a mixing bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved.
  2. Add 1 cup of cold water, mix gently, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  3. Remove from refrigerator and fold in the drained crushed pineapple, sliced strawberries, mini marshmallows, and optional chopped nuts.
  4. Fold in the whipped topping until everything is nicely combined.
  5. Pour the mixture into a glass bowl or serving dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 2 hours, or until fully set.
  6. Serve chilled and enjoy your Strawberry Crackle Salad at gatherings.

Notes

Best served chilled, and can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Store in an airtight container. This salad is perfect for meal prep and can be easily customized.

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